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The First Champions Are Crowned

The second day of the 2025 Senior World Championships marked the first medal events of the week — and the debut podiums already delivered a mix of emotions, high-level fencing, and unforgettable stories.

In women’s épée, Ukraine’s Vlada Kharkova rose to the top, claiming her first senior world title and bringing pride to the entire European fencing community. Already crowned European champion in 2022, Kharkova confirmed her growing status on the international stage, combining precision, focus, and a composed performance throughout the day.

In the final, she overcame Katrina Lehis of Estonia by a single touch on priority — a dramatic ending to a tense match that mirrored her semifinal, where she had also secured victory by one touch in extra time. Lehis, European champion in 2017 and Olympic bronze medallist in Tokyo, advanced confidently through the tableau and once again proved her strength at the highest level.

The bronze medals went to Irina Embrich of Estonia and Song Sera of Korea. For Embrich, the podium had special significance: it marked her 15th medal from major championships, arriving just weeks after she celebrated her 45th birthday. Her consistency and presence at the highest level continue to inspire generations of fencers, both in Estonia and beyond.

With two Estonian athletes sharing the podium, the nation once again demonstrated its remarkable depth and heritage in women’s épée.

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Men’s Foil: Global Podium, European Pride

On the piste next to the épée battles, men’s foil also delivered world-class moments. The title was claimed by Choi Chun Yin Ryan from Hong Kong, who fenced a brilliant day to take gold and make history for his country. The silver medal went to Kirill Borodachev, competing under the AIN flag, after a strong performance through the tableau and a final marked by sharp exchanges.

Hungary’s Gergo Szemes and France’s Maxime Pauty completed the podium with bronze medals. Both fencers showcased exceptional form throughout the day — Szemes continuing his rise among Europe’s brightest foilists, and Pauty once again representing the French tradition of elegance and explosiveness in foil.

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What’s Next: Day 3 Preview

The action continues tomorrow with men’s sabre and women’s foil individual events — both packed with top contenders and storylines to follow. European fans will be watching closely as another chance for medals unfolds.

Livestream is available at fencingtv.com — registration is required for new viewers.

Full results are published here:
https://www.fencingtimelive.com/tournaments/eventSchedule/AE29DD9AE55E4FDAB2E0C4218253FD2A#today

Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes moments as the Championships continue.